In Memory

Charles Terry

TERRY, Charles Udriet, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 7, 2009. He was the second born of Margaret and Stuart Terry of Bon Air. He had bravely recovered from a ruptured brain aneurysm nine years prior, but finally succumbed to a massive stroke. Charles had dedicated his adult life to teaching disadvantaged children in New York's inner city. He received many awards for his compassionate efforts with the children. He was also an avid collector of antique clocks and period furnishings, and for many years was a partner in a large retail antique business in Pennsylvania. Charles had been ordained as an Elder at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond. He is survived by two brothers, Harry and Michael; a younger sister, Margy Paz, all of Richmond; and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews and grandnieces. Charles graduated from Huguenot High School and received his B.A. at the University of Richmond and his Master's in Teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University. His life journey subsequent to a tragic brain aneurysm was miraculous and remains an inspiration to us all. The dedication of his family and friends helped make his final years very special. Charles was loved by all. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 13, at Bon Air Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Brain Injury Association of Virginia.

Charles and I were close friends throughout high school and early college, and I will cherish the good times that I hold in memory from our teenage escapades around Richmond. I truly regret that we didn't stay in touch in later years--it seems that I really missed out on knowing a very special adult person!

Charles was always such a gentle soul and did not have the easiest time of it in school. He rose above it all and did it with dignity and grace. I remember him as team manager doing all the thankless tasks that involved. It was good seeing him again at the reunion at Bradermill.Rest in peace, Charles.

Charles was a gentle soul who was indeed a blessing to all who knew him. I feel privileged to have known him through our high school days; Knowing him to be smartly humorous and always generous with his time for others. He was a wonderful, delightful person to be around, who made everyday seem better in the late 60's - given all that we had to content with in such conflicted times. He left a big footprint in my heart and mind. The good news is that in heaven today, I know an angel whose name is Charles!

I would like to express my symapthy for the loss of one of our funny, talented and compassionate peers from the HHS Class of 1968.I lost touch with most everyone from HHS when the day we graduated I hoped in a moving van and left the city as quickly as I could. I didn't know where I was going or what I was going to become but I took the chance. Charles was also a brave person with his choices and appears to have done very well for himself and for the world, making it just a more positive place because of him. God Bless .